Scopone: An overall guide to Rules, Instructions & Winning Strategy you need to know
Introduction
Scopone, originating from Italy, is a strategic and engaging card game that requires a standard 40-card Italian deck. However, if you don’t have one, don’t worry! You can also use a standard 52-card deck, just remove the 8’s and 9’s.
The game is popularly played in Italy and South America. It is derived from Scopone Scientifico, another Italian card game, and is one of many variations of the traditional game of Scop. The game is designed for 2 to 9 players, although it is most commonly (and best, in my experience) played with 4 players split into two teams.
The objective of the game is to earn more points than the other team by capturing cards on the table that match or total to the card played. The game is divided into rounds or deals, and the team that first reaches 11 points wins the game.
The game begins with the dealer distributing 9 cards to each player, 3 at a time. The remaining cards are placed face down in the middle of the table to form the deck. The player to the dealer’s left starts the game by placing a card on the table. The players then take turns playing their cards, trying to capture as many cards as possible.
Each card has a certain point value: the Ace is worth 1 point, cards from 2-7 are worth their face value, and face cards (King, Queen, and Jack) are worth 0.5 points each. The team that captures cards with the highest total value earns points.
Quick Tip for Scopone
Always remember, in Scopone, the key is to keep track of what cards have been played. This will help you make strategic decisions as the game progresses.
Rules for playing Scopone
Scopone is played with two teams of two players each. The teams sit opposite each other. The aim of the game is to be the first team to score 11 points. Points are scored by capturing cards from the table. The team that captures the most cards scores the most points. However, there are also bonus points for capturing certain cards, such as the 7 of coins, which is known as the ‘Scopone’.
The Deal for Scopone
The dealer shuffles the deck and deals nine cards to each player, three at a time. The remaining four cards are placed face up on the table. The player to the dealer’s right goes first.
How to Play Scopone
- Setup: The game begins with the dealer dealing nine cards to each player and placing the remaining four cards face up on the table.
- Gameplay: Players take turns playing a card from their hand. If a player plays a card that matches the value of a card on the table, they capture that card. If they play a card that matches the sum of several cards on the table, they capture all those cards.
- End of the Game: The game ends when all cards have been played. The team that has captured the most cards scores points equal to the number of cards they have captured. Bonus points are also awarded for capturing certain cards.
- Scoring: The team that scores 11 points first wins the game.
Card value in Scopone
The game has a unique system for card values. The game is traditionally played with an Italian 40-card deck, and the card values range from 1 to 10, with three face cards in each suit: the Knave, the Horse, and the King. The numbered cards carry their face value, with the Ace being worth one point. The face cards have specific values, with the King being the highest at 10 points, the Horse at 9 points, and the Knave at 8 points. The aim of the game is to capture cards that have a high point value, and the team or player with the highest total card value at the end of the game is declared the winner.
How to Win at Scopone
Winning at Scopone requires a combination of strategy, memory, and a little bit of luck. Keep track of what cards have been played and try to anticipate what your opponents might do. Also, aim to capture the ‘Scopone’ (7 of coins) as it awards bonus points.
Best Strategies for playing Scopone game
One of the best strategy in Scopone is to try and control the game by capturing the cards on the table. This will limit your opponents’ options and give you more control over the game. Also, try to save your high-value cards for later in the game when they can capture multiple cards at once.
As the game progresses, the number of cards on the table reduces, which means there are fewer options for your opponents to play. If you can control the table by capturing the majority of the cards, you will have a significant advantage over your opponents. Moreover, capturing cards can also help you in gaining points, as each captured card contributes to your overall score.
Another key strategy is to save your high-value cards for the later stages of the game. These cards can be potent tools in the right circumstances, especially when they can capture multiple cards at once. Playing a high-value card at the right time can allow you to take control of the game and put your opponents on the back foot.
In the early stages of the game, it might be tempting to play these high-value cards to capture as many cards as possible or to avoid getting captured. However, patience and strategic thinking are key in Scopone. By saving these cards for later, you can potentially capture more cards, thereby increasing your overall score.
A wise Scopone player must aim to control the game by capturing cards on the table and strategically saving high-value cards for later stages of the game. This two-pronged approach can significantly limit your opponents’ options, giving you more control over the game’s progression and potentially leading you to victory.
Variations
There are several variations of Scopone, including Scopone Scientifico, which has more rigid rules and requires more strategy. In this variation, players must play their cards in a specific order, adding an extra layer of complexity to the game.
Scenarios
There are many scenarios in Scopone that can turn the tide of the game. For example, if you have a high-value card and several low-value cards that add up to the value of your high-value card, you can capture all those cards in one go, scoring multiple points.
Frequently Asked Questions about playing Scopone
- What happens if I run out of cards? If you run out of cards, the game continues until all cards have been played. You simply skip your turn.
- Can I capture multiple cards at once? Yes, if you play a card that matches the sum of several cards on the table, you can capture all those cards.
- What is the ‘Scopone’? The ‘Scopone’ is the 7 of coins. Capturing this card awards bonus points.
- How many points do I need to win? The first team to score 11 points wins the game.
- Can I play Scopone with a standard 52-card deck? Yes, just remove the 8’s and 9’s.
External Links
For more information on the cultural significance of Scopone and other Italian card games, check out this article.
Eve Brownlee was a gamer before gaming communities on the internet were a thing. Eve grew up playing traditional, standard deck card games like Rummy and Bezique, taking an interest in the classics Backgammon and Chess. Parlor card games like Bridge continue to keep Eve active in the community. After a long career, primarily in horticulture for USDA in Maryland, Eve now travels and writes on The Pineapple (pineapples.info) and contributes to Quora/Pinterest topics. Contact Eve via email.
